Aided by the success of the Tui Samoa, Sili said the government had now embarked on complimentary submarine cable projects to assist other smaller island states.

“The next exciting project will be the Manatua Cable linking Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Niue and Samoa and there are plans in the making for a regional project, the ‘One Pacific Cable’ with potential to link Micronesia, Melanesian and involve up to 10 nations."

“It is a fact that 18 percent of people in Least Development Countries use the internet, compared with 80 percent in developed countries."

“Connectivity therefore, will be a key driver in realising the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for Small Island developing states.”

He added the last area the government would focus on was improving literacy.

“This will necessitate extending access for Samoan women and girls, men and boys with disabilities."

“In short, government will encourage its ministries, the private sector and N.G.O's to work together to develop user-friendly applications to improve services for all our people.”

Sili said this was critically important in ensuring that access to broadband internet translated into positive development outcomes for Samoa and its entire people.